It's time for children of all ages to bundle up their grownups and head to downtown Millersburg. The annual children's night will be held on Friday evening, Dec. 8.

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It's time for children of all ages to bundle up their grown-ups and head to downtown Millersburg. The annual children's night will be held on Friday evening, Dec. 8.

It will be a family-friendly evening for all ages. Downtown merchants will be open until 8 p.m. with a wide variety of treats and surprises for the young and young at heart.

The Village Toy Shop, located at 113 W. Jackson St., will once again host that jolly star of the holiday season: Santa Claus. Everyone is invited to pay a visit to Mr. Claus during the evening.

Of course no one can verify or deny the rumor that the Santa who appears at The Village Toy Shop is in fact the real Santa. And if a visit with Kris Kringle isn't quite enough fun, there also will be a free craft activity at the toy store.

Beginning at 6 p.m., everyone who enjoys crayons and sharing smiles is invited to Hotel Millersburg. The hotel will host Cards for the Troops, sponsored by Wayne Savings Community Bank.

Cards for the Troops is an opportunity to create original holiday greeting cards to spread a bit of hometown cheer to those serving in the military. Rick Jackson, building and grounds superintendent with Wayne Savings, coordinates the event.

Jackson said, "I don't know who came up with the idea years ago, but it's a great thing."

Jackson explained that the event, which also is included annually in Wooster's Winter Wonderland, has been going on for many years.

Children-sized tables and chairs are set out along with blank cards. Kids are invited to create their own creative greeting by coloring and adding any message they would like. The young artists are only allowed to sign their first name: no last names and no address.

"I think it's just wonderful," Jackson said. "The troops get [the cards], and it puts a smile on their face."

The exact location where the cards will be sent this year is not yet certain; however, they always go to service members from Ohio, even from Holmes and Wayne counties if possible.

Located at 35 W. Jackson St. in downtown Millersburg, the Millersburg Hotel is the community's oldest large building. The building has been placed on the U.S. Department of Interior's National Register of Historic Places.

A variety of eateries also will be open during children's night with ample opportunity for dinner or snacks.

Area businesses will share small treats or gifts as visitors wander amid the festively decorated downtown. The event also will provide an opportunity for local merchants to give back to the community that patronizes their stores and establishments all year.

There are ample opportunities as well for young and old to cross items off their holiday list with a little shopping. The Millersburg stores generally go out of their way to offer a variety of inexpensive gift items for children to purchase for gifting family, teachers and friends.

Downtown Millersburg itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Families will find everything from toys to antiques, clothing, handcrafted decor and gifts. There's a hometown brewery for grown-up refreshments as well.

Step back in time with children's night in downtown Millersburg. Enjoy hometown fun with an old-fashioned, festive holiday feeling.